Congratulations, you pushed me over the edge. I just purchased a new P226 Elite. My justification is it replaces my CZ 75 Pre-B, 2075-D RAMI, 97 .45 and vz83. All metal gems that I've sold through consignment at my great New Hampshire dealer, who is a 38 minute drive from Sig Sauer HQ. Since l thinned my herd, I'm left with my best polymer Glocks, Walther PDP and 3 H&Ks. My problem is waiting for some of the snow at my field target area to melt down so I can taste my new P226, Walther P99 Final Ed, and Steyr M9 A2 MF. Long winters here in New Hampshire. Got it bad 💥💥💥💥💥 Thanks Matt✌️
Congrats, man! I feel like you've gotta have a P226 in the pile if you love classic DA/SA guns. It will never let you down. Thanks for all the support!
Well, I watched your video as I was contemplating a German made Sig, assembled there as well, with proof marks under the slide, made in 1990, then I bought it, then I watched your video yet again. I totally relate to your poetic way of describing this gun. What gripped me at the gun store was how smooth the slide slid over the frame, like butter, and how in single action the trigger had completely no creep, I mean it broke like glass, like a 1911 trigger. The American made legion dasa guns by comparison have some creep (not much) and the slides are more gritty. And this gun is accurate. What can I say. Made in Germany. 🇩🇪 They just don’t make them like that anymore. A gun from a bygone era, for the connoisseur of fine German and Swiss professionalism and dedication. They may have been meant to be just a combat gun, but these German ones have ended up being something much more.
Well said, my friend. Yeah, the SA trigger on this P226 really impressed me. It's about about as close to a 1911 trigger as a top-pivot trigger can get. And it's built like a... erm, German... watch. I'm sure the Legion's are nice guns. But not in same way as one of the OG German guns. Thanks for the comment and the support!
Another GREAT video! I love my Sigs, The WG 226 & 228 are among my favs. The 210 series is in a class by itself especially the Carry. I just bought a SP 2022 in 357 Sig that is climbing to the top of the list . Two final comments: 1) My home defense pistol is a Ruger P85! It an awesome shooter that is built to survive Armageddon! 2) Your videos are going to cost me a lot of money IF you keep showing off that gorgeous P88! 🤣
Thank you so much, my friend! Man, I need to get a P228 at some point. Or at least a P228 slide for my 9mm P229 :) Can't argue with the Ruger P-Series, my man. I love my P89. And Hey... I do my part to help the economy! I got luck on that P88c. Chance gunshop find. Thanks again!
It does everything exactly the same way for 30,000 rounds. That's worthy of all the hype. Mine is a 1989 with 40k rounds and just got a factory refresh. Springs, sights and a barrel cleaning
@@Swampytheroot That’s pretty amazing. I’ve heard classic Sigs can do 6 figure round counts with basic maintenance. Do you still have the same barrel in your gun? Thanks!
@@HipsterTactical all they did was cleaned the barrel to factory specs, per the work order. They didn't replace anything except the springs and sights.
Guys always give the Beretta 92 crap because SMG ammo was cracking slides, everyone seems to shuffle under the rug that the same ammo was cracking Sig P226 FRAMES and RAILS. Granted, the fact either of them ran any of that ammo at all is amazing, it's just odd that only one of the guns seems to catch any flak.
Interesting. Yeah, I wasn't aware the P226 was also cracking--though looking at the GAO report, the P226 did actually have a lower service life rating. Plus, the old Sigs had roll pins that needed to be replaced every 5000 rounds. The Beretta's locking block (then) was rated for ~15K, I think (current LBs are rated at ~20/25K, I believe. Thanks for the insight, my friend!
Perhaps the frames cracking on the Sig was a less dramatic failure than on the Beretta, but yeah interesting how the SEALs stuck with the Sig anyway after the ammo was found to be the culprit
@@jason200912 If I remember right it was equivalent to 124 grain +p+ . Gotta remember the 9mm guns we had in inventory in the 80's were guns like Swedish K, S&W 76, and some Mp5's. The government (as always) got caught trying to cheap out, blame the designer, and got caught (and successfully sued by Beretta for Libel and Slander as a result)
Great review Matt. I own a German JJ date code P226 and agree with your assessment. Have the Hogue G10 contour grips on mine also. Installed a SilencerCo threaded barrel and shoot it suppressed every few months. Had a German P220 45acp factory nickel and sold it a few years ago when its value skyrocketed. My son got my German frame P220 ST 45acp when he turned 21. Gave him a choice between a NIB PPQ (in 9 or 45) or the P220 ST. Wish he had picked the new PPQ.
Thanks, James! Appreciate your patronage :) Yeah, I think the classic Sigs have a unique feel that--while not quite as refined as the classic Walthers--still embodies "functional quality." In that sense, I think they nailed the right balance of quality and functionality. And yes--on the double-stack Sigs, the Contour Classic grips are phenomenal. I tell 'ya... my PPQ .45 was one of the best shooting guns I've experienced in recent memory. The thing was... uncanny. To me, though, it's an SAO gun with no safety. Just wasn't comfortable with it. Given that... I'd say the P220 ST is a great choice. Thanks again!
Arex zero 1. It's the final evolution of the p226 with better controls and accuracy with the trade off being that it has a stiff military trigger. Was refined from the 1989 zastava cz99 pistol
I’ve always been curious about the Arex Zero pistols. Specifically the CP compact. Just have never taken the plunge. Hell, I wouldn’t mind trying the Zastava version either. Thanks!
@@HipsterTactical arex is way better in ergonomics. The zastava is just a super old prototype of the arex zero except that it has a ambi decocker and no safety. Arex zero 2 and arex tactical and alpha is out there too
Haha. Thanks. I loved those commercials as a kid. And I'm with you on all 3 guns--I have a USP .45 currently. It's cool, but I'm not sure I'll be handing onto it. Thanks for the all the support!
Thank you, buddy! Appreciate all the support, as usual. Yeah, I've been meaning to get an SRT into one of my P239s. Sig actually messed the gun up when I sent it in, a few years ago--it has light primer strikes now and then. So, I figure I might as well try swapping the guts out to an SRT setup.
Great video as always! The craftsman ship shines through in a unique way on the old sigs right? I’m still hoping you do a third generation S&W vs Ruger P series video in the future.
Thanks, buddy! Really appreciate the support. Yeah, I agree--that could be an interesting one. "CIVIL WAR: TWO AMERICAN WONDERNINES, ONE WINNER." Haha. Honestly, I'm gonna a do a dedicated video on the XM9/XM10 Wondernines--I realized I own at least one iteration of most of them, at this point--including two of the more obscure ones, the BDA9 and the Walther P88. Got a few other projects to finish first, though. Thanks again, my man!
Very cool video. I just recently reacquired interest in my P226 .40 that is wedged under my couch as a home defense gun. My go to's are Glocks. Glocks go bang, but without any class, history or just plain sexiness. Might I suggest a peer to the Sig is HK USP series. Carried one in .45 for ten years after we switched from SW mod 66's. BTW, that P89 could keep up with anything out there today, had a few back in the day. Always have my eyes open for another one. Thanks!
Thanks for the comment, my friend! Yeah, the P226 oozes class. Plus, from a practical standpoint, it's very accurate as long as you do your part. I actually have reviews on both the USP .45 and the P89, if you haven't checked those out. Thanks again!
You are right with the higher bore axis less felt recoil in the hand. The lowest bore axis I have ever shot was the HK P7. Also this had the most unpleasant recoil I have ever felt for 9mm. It hasn't much muzzle rise but it hit very hard in the hand. The 226 was also not common in German LE. Only a few SWAT teams (SEK) had it. The police had the more compact single stack 225 (P6) or the Walther P5 you also showed here. And even the Swiss Army never upgraded to the 226 and use the 220 untill today.
I totally dig your epicurian pistol presentations. Your a romantic, passionate and passionate for European firearms. All other mustards pale in comparison to Grey Poupon. 72, New Hampshire 💥 ⚖️🗽☮️✌️
I confer full membership upon you, my friend! It's... a state of mind... an attitude... and if you watch my content, you qualify ;) Thanks and take care!
Beautiful video as always. The perceived quality on west german sig sauer is sensational and better than us made sigs, but beretta 92 is a great gun either; in some aspect even better than p226. However i prefer sig sauer with rails under frame, they have better aesthetics than the original p220 series design (in my opinion). I like to think that the real modern idea of the browning hi power is the sig p226 and not the cz75 as somebody thinks for resembleance.
That is a really interesting perspective... the Sig P22X design being the modern expression of the Hi Power. Yeah, a CZ-75 resembles the BHP externally, but I can't see that it has a whole lot in common, mechanically. And that you so much for the kind words! Really appreciate your support. I love the old school Sigs--I'm sure this won't be my last. Cheers!
The SIG P226 is the softest recoiling 9mm non-steel frame handgun that that I've tried. Yes, steel frame pistols are a bit softer but they are noticeably heavier which makes them less comfortable/easy to manipulate (albeit more stable for accuracy maybe). And yes, you can notice slightly more muzzle rise compared to most other pistols but as you say, it's a trade off and not at all excessive. My only complaint with them these days is that they are a bit too expensive at over a grand in the US, while the Beretta 92/M9 can be had for 500-700.
I would not agree it is better than a Beretta 92 but I am fine with either having carried a 92 and a 96 on duty for many years and owned several Sigs as well. The Beretta trigger is better IMO and experience.
I agree. I prefer the overall shooting feel of the Beretta--including the trigger. But the P226 still has a good feel. And, in terms of total package... I think the Sig offers some advantages over the 92. But yeah--they're both great and there's no wrong answer. Thanks!
I started earlier with firearms and clearly recall in the late 80’s a Sig Sauer P228, 226, and a 220 would run about a good $100 more than the competition. They were not really cheap. In 1988 I bought my first wonder nine, a Beretta 92f, which if it wasn’t for the fact I was hired and going into the police academy with it I would of chose the P226 which my buddy bought. We shot both guns many times together and I drastically preferred the 226. No safety and just a decocker was a better design in my opinion.
Yeah, they’re definitely premium guns. To me, the P226 feels a bit more “handy” in terms of its overall size… I also love the Sig decocker… but I prefer the ergonomics and shooting feel of the Beretta 92, personally. Honestly, I feel like I get similar accuracy (which is, excellent) from both. Neither one is a wrong answer and I love both. Thanks for the comment!
Very good review. Subscribed. Are you able to compare the SIG P226 with the CZ 75B? I'm considering purchasing a P226 Elite or 75 Omega. Regards. Tomek from Poland.
Thank you, my friend! I appreciate the kind words. I definitely plan to get a CZ-75 variant on the channel this year. I’ve got a lot of other projects in the works at the moment, and not a ton cash for new guns… but I’ll get to it. I have owned two CZ-75 derivatives (RAMI and PCR Compact). I’ll say this: the CZs are more natural, more intuitive shooters than Sigs. The ergos are better and you just get a more engaging experience overall. That said, my RAMI and my PCR were both more ammo sensitive than the Sigs I’ve owned. Neither were completely reliable with low-quality/remanufactured ammo. My Sigs run anything. And… out of the box, I think Sig offers better triggers. As far as absolute accuracy.,. It’s probably similar. Both platforms are very accurate. In any case… that’s what been MY experience-but that’s certainly not the whole story. Thanks again!
@@HipsterTactical Thank you for your reply. I had a CZ 75 P-01 Omega (the newest PCR version) - it was my first pistol. An inexperienced shooter underestimated the design, mainly due to ineffective attempts to build a grip. I have small hands. I bought a narrow, plastic, striker pistol and I am happy with it. However, I am drawn to full metal DA/SA with a decocker. I am also considering the Beretta 92G LTT Elite. Kind regards.
@@Tomek_K.I have small hands, too. And yes-the trigger reach on CZs is long, especially in DA. I’m always surprised by how short the trigger reach is on the Beretta 92. Very short in SA, and still reachable in DA. Especially the newer 92s with the relief cut at the top of the grip.
@@HipsterTactical Even though I regret selling the CZ, I will choose between the SIG P226 Elite and the Beretta 92G Elite LTT. This "plastic" pistol I mentioned is made by Sig Sauer. I had no experience with Beretta. I'm not a collector, I shoot guns I own regularly. I only have a small pistol, a PDW and a shotgun - one of each. They are very good IMO and have a life sentence with me. ;) All I need is a full-size pistol to be completely satisfied.
I carried a W. German P228 for a time. P230SL as well. Now that I think about it a P239 in .40 to. But that one was US built. All good pistols. But, yeah gonna get some hate for this, but I much prefer the Beretta 92 over the Sig pistols. A friend of mine scored a W German P226 for a smoking deal,$500, used but never actually used condition for his first gun. The gun has a lot going for it no doubt. My P228 was the most accurate gun I ever owned or shot until I got a HK SP5 several years later. It outshot a few custom 1911's I had. My friend's P226 has the same thing going on. He also bought a MK25 226. US built. Not even close to the German pistol. Then he got himself a P228 like I had. German. Again total tack driver in both our hands. So in my opinion, an educated one though, a W German Sig Sauer 9mm is probably what you want if above average accuracy is what you desire in a combat pistol.
I'm more or less on the same page... I love the Sig DA/SA pistols. I shoot them well. In some cases, I shoot them as well as anything else I've tried (the P239 and the P245 come to mind). But... there's an element of feel that the Beretta 92 offers that's uniquely excellent. Same with the PX4. And, as mentioned, I think it's those subjective elements that really endear us to certain pistols. Thanks for the comment!
I still think the SP2022 is their best looking gun. Also, the M9 is a nice smooth shooting gun. The double action is heavy, sure whatever, but it's fun to try to master and the single action is dang good. The slides breaking is basically a meme, just the early models and the military's general lack of maintenance. They don't even maintain them, they just leave them behind for the taliban to have. Lol.
I can't argue with the SP2022 looking good. The lines are clean and elegant. I had an SP2340 for a minute... because it came with a .357 SIG barrel. Ended up keeping the P239 is a my ".357 SIG platform of choice." And a "meme" is a good way to contextualize the M9 slide breakage. It totally is. And yeah... I'm not military, but I've heard from people they were very poorly maintained which likely contributed to negative impressions. Thanks for the comment, my friend!
Yes, German X5 Allround in 40 with extra $250 Bar-sto 357sig barrel, Hogue G-mascus Piranha grips, Armory Craft Jet Funnel, and a few x5 bases. "It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up."
Oh, man. Yeah, I've come across a few 9mm P220s on Gunbroker. But when I want something a little bit rare and expensive... I usually opt for something else. Would be curious to see how a 9mm P220 shoots, though. Thanks for the comment!
You say the West German P226 models are still being made. Where can you buy a new one? The only ones I see-are the standard ones you see in various gun stores in the United States.
Sorry if that was unclear--the German Sigs are loooong gone, unfortunately. I meant that you CAN still buy new P226s.... but they're made in the USA now, not Germany. Certain design elements are very different in the newer ones, as well. Though some things are still pretty close the originals. Thanks!
@@HipsterTactical No worries. I thought that might be the case-but thanks for the clarity. Presently-I’m a Sig Sauer fan after having purchased my Legion Series P226. For a moment the misunderstanding had me salivating at the thought of acquiring a newly made West German spec offering.
I’ve been on a run lately, and I just came across a West German P226 and on the ejection side it has the same similar scratch on that small pin area as yours. Any idea what that is?
Yeah, I find a lot of the older Sigs show that mark. I think it's where the takedown lever just rubs on the frame when it rotates. Just old-school character on an old-school gun. Thanks for watching!
I see you have left-eye dominance, but you need to train yourself to bring the gun sights to your eye, not your eye to the gun sights. This is universal regardless of eye dominance.
I've tried it. Since I'm not fully extending my arms, it reduces isometric tension from my hands and forearms. Feels like I have zero control. 'fraid I'll be a head-cocker for life. Thanks!
@HipsterTactical I've been shooting cross dominant for about 15 years without this being a problem. You're completely overthinking it. Grip the gun, make sure you have some pinky pressure, slight spring in the elbows. Good luck transitioning targets or tracking a moving one with your head all jacked up.
Mr hip tac.... As much as I love and respect you and your channel, I am still personally offended you have not reviewed the sig p2022.... As a purveyor/connoisseur of hipster tactical pistols(I have a ridiculous affinity for 3rd gen Smith Wesson Autos), I'm truly offended you haven't reviewed the sig pro 2022 yet.... It is literally the ultimate in hipster pistol technology.... From being the only time sig Sauer got a polymer pistol rightto the fact it's the first pistol to ever have removable back straps.... As well as the fact it's one of the most produced pistols in the world France order 250 thousand of them in one order....She is an elegant classic, I feel you need to review... Wait till you get your hands on her, she's elegant,yet reliable.... I own plenty of Glocks and 1911s, but this is the gun that sits on my nightstand for home protection... You should give it a try I promise you won't be disappointed....
I feel like you have a similar flavor in firearms as I do my friend.... Call me old-fashioned but I believe a pistol should have a fucking hammer, it should be double action single action, and it should work every time you pull the trigger no matter what..... All of these things are why I have kept my sig pro for over a decade... I went 5,000 rnds without cleaning it , just to see what she would do,and she never jammed up on me...not once... She even ran so smooth I bet I could get to 10000 without cleaning....I'm not a big fan of the newest sig Sauer pistols, but I'm a huge fan of the sig pro series....
It Is the most reliable gun I've ever owned I've had my glock jam on me before, I've never had any issues with this gun not one FTF not one jam nothing.... It's the most trusted firearm I own... And that is exactly why it sits on my nightstand.... Im iterally willing to bet my family's life on this gun it's so reliable... I'm not exaggerating when I say I've tried to get this thing to jam....it wont do it.... Drop it in mud shot shity ammo through it, submerged it in water for 24 hours... She just goes bang every time... This bitch is unstoppable....
Even though I currently own a Glock .. I never shoot it.... I got big old meat hooks, and I get slide bite like a motherfuker... I recently watched your video "am I a gun hipster"coping assessment....😞 I fit all relevant criteria.... But it's okay... I find solace in your videos my friend... I felt quite alone in my love of weird older 90s guns....(once again especially 3rd generation Smith & Wesson autos I don't know why I love those goddamn guns so much but I do) But it's nice not to feel so alone....thanks for being a weirdo too bro,I honestly appreciate your content.... Not everyone needs a goddamn staccato... I feel just fine with my sig pro and my Glock m22...... I never once felt under armed.... Regardless man I really appreciate your content and I don't feel so alone in my pursuit of rare old semis... You're appreciated bro
@@kelseymcgarrah2858 Yeah, the Sig Pros are really solid guns. And... they have a fuckin hammer. Haha. I had SP2340 with an extra .357 SIG barrel. At some point, I'd like to get one of the German internal-extractor SP2022s. Or, better yet, an all Swiss SP2009... The French police use the SPs extensively. I guess they love them. Thanks for the comments!
Oh, I just responded to your other comment and mentioned the French police. Yes. I should review it. Though I kinda wanna get the OG, the SP2009. Well... honestly, I think the SP2340 was technically the first in the Sig Pro line. I did have one of those. It was cool. Bought it to shoot .357 SIG. But liked shooting .357 SIG out of my P239 better. So... still got that. I'm sure I'll get one at some point. Thanks for the comments, my friend!
Thanks, Troy! Glad you enjoyed my "explicit" imagery. Haha. I'm with you--I love Sigs, but... for a double-stack service pistol... it's hard to beat a 92. Thanks, man!
@@sigsauershooter3009 Damn... now I wanna watch it again. Isn't there a scene in the beginning where he's training and he's got the Sig? And it's, you know... epic AF...
Your ability to "miss the point" shows through immediately because you didn't watch the whole video; I'm parodying the unjustly negative perspectives that often plague the Beretta 92.
